More than 70 percent of the world’s cocoa is produced in Africa but very little is processed in the countries of origin. The cocoa value chain has become a western-dominated business. This case study features a success story of a woman, Jaki Kweka, an African entrepreneur in Tanzania who manufactures high-quality chocolates using local produce. Key findings: Jaki’s firm employed five people in 2015, and beyond that provides a market for local, small cocoa farmers and buys packaging from a local disabled people’s civil society organization. Still, she is facing many challenges like difficult access to finance, reliable power, skilled human resources, and a reliable market, as well as competition with the big, non-Tanzanian chocolate manufacturers. This story is a good example of how women can build a successful business and contribute to economic growth. Yet, it demonstrates that regardless of numerous policies geared to gender financial inclusion, women (especially in startups) continue to face onerous challenges. Key lessons: This case study shows the existence of untapped opportunities along the agricultural value chains in Africa. Also, the challenges that Jaki experienced are indicative of the need to create business incubators and accelerators that will support entrepreneurs from the idea stage to fully fledged companies. Key recommendations: The experience of Jaki Kweka calls for policy makers’ attention to design policies and implement capacity building initiatives that will improve women’s financial inclusion. Tanzania and African countries more generally are encouraged to develop industries based on the crops grown in their countries, and secure for themselves the value added that goes to western firms. Innovative business approaches are necessary to address the challenges hindering small and medium enterprises as well as entrepreneurs. In the same vain, there’s need to develop knowledge and information resources to guide small and medium enterprises through the red tape associated with international activity.